Just after 6pm yesterday, thousands of Ex-Internees, Former POWs', Relatives, Republican Activists, Socialists, Civil Rights Advocates, Campaign Groups, Political groups & Parties marched along Ardoyne Avenue and onto the Oldpark Road. On their way to commemorate the unjust imprisonment of Irish citizens from 1971 through the present day by the British & Stormont Governments. As one of those proud participants involved in the march, it was very uplifting to witness the huge numbers of people from across the city and beyond. As the son of the last Internee released in December, 1975, I was very proud to walk beside decent people demonstrating against a terrible policy which split thousands of families apart and caused much Conflict in our Country. Although, it was also sad to see the Bloody Sunday Families, Ballymurphy Families, Martin Corey Campaigners and the relatives of current POWs' held on Internment by Remand in MagHaberry Gaol!
I often hear Constitutional Republicans claiming that us Traditional Republicans are merely 'Micro-Groups with no support or analysis'. If yesterday evening's Anti-Internment march proved one thing, it is that the above claims are clearly misleading and used in a manner that distorts the truth. The hard reality is far different and was witnessed by the thousands of onlookers who cheered and clapped as we passed by their homes and businesses on the long walk to Andersontown, where we held the rally. Constitutional Republicanism may well have political support to chart a way forward but not in the levels it believes and Gerry Adams' comments on twitter last night in response to our march was evidence of that delusion. Adams claimed;"
Sectarianism in evidence in Bfast 2night has 2 b confronted.Stupidity masquerading as Republicanism is mirror reflection of unionist bigotry". Now forgive me readers, but did I not above list a host of collective groups of genuine Irish Republicans, Socialists & Campaigners as partaking in the march? I did, but Adams believes that we were; 'Stupidity masquerading as Republicanism'? he added further that we were a, 'Mirror Reflection of Unionist Bigotry'? Maybe I'm wrong but has he actually lost the plot? He sounds like former Workers Party Leader, Proinsias De Rossa. Then again, his Party resembles the worst remnant of the Sticks these days. Given their determination to felon-set Dissenting Republicans.
I don't wish to focus on the political negativity aspired to by Provisional Sinn Fein. I'd prefer to give readers an illustration of just how positive the Anti-Internment March was yesterday. It was wrongly billed as a 'Dissident March by the Irish News, which did a disservice to the Organising Committee, Stewards and Participants who despite extreme provocation from Loyalist Extremists, delaying tactics by the Unreformed RUC and blatant ignorance from SF aligned Ex-POW groups was by and large disciplined and successful.
As for the thugs who attempted to prevent our march through Belfast last night, they failed miserably and only succeeded in demonstrating just how bigoted their hatred for Catholics, Nationalists and Republicans runs through their veins. The March fully succeeded in commemorating the anniversary of Internment and continued injustices in British occupied Ireland! Yesterdays parade and rally will undoubtedly be the first of many Anti-Internment Events each and every August and my praise goes to everyone involved, Go Raibh Mhaith Agaibh!
